Worcestershire Voices - Success Factors

Success Factors

In March 2017 Data Orchard was commissioned by Worcestershire Voices to undertake research into the critical factors in making a voluntary and community project a success; and whether these can be replicated across Worcestershire.

The survey to identify successful voluntary and community projects in Worcestershire yielded details of 15 projects, with a good range by project type and beneficiaries. Six were explored in more detail through interviews and seven people engaged in a workshop with a further three afterwards.

For a voluntary and community sector project to be a success the critical factors are:

passion and determination and energy of group/individuals

adequately resourced (money, people, time). Both to setup initially, to establish and then to continue operating.

flexible and adaptable approach to changing need and circumstances

evidence of impact on beneficiaries to drive financial sustainability and marketing

meeting a local need

utilising the right skills: volunteers, employees or paid-for services

working well with others (trustees, funders, partners, volunteers, beneficiaries, networks)

governance and compliance (insurances, safety, managing risk)

The critical success factors were considered by all to be mostly self-generated (i.e. within the organisation); with the exception of being adequately resourced where skills and funding can be found outside the group or project. It was also recognised there is a lot support and guidance available for governance and compliance but it still needs to be self-managed. Utilising the right skills can also be out-sourced.